136 - Shenandoah A - Capstan Shanty

This is one of the most popular of all capstan and windlass shanties, the "Shenandoah". The interesting fact acording to Stan Hugill, is that no two shantymen ever sang the same pronunciation of the word "Shenandoah". Shenandoar, Shannandore, Shanandar, and Shanidah were all used. This is the first version -- of Negro -- orygin, what Stan Hugill obtained from coloured cook (doctor) of the "Birkdale", which had sailed for many years in the "Dales", and in the "Invers" of the Milne Line of sailing ship.
"Shanties from the Seven Seas" by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 173).


Shenandoah A


Shenandoah, I long ter hear yer,
   - Hooray, you rollin' river!
O Shenandoah, I cain't git near yer,
   - High-ya! I'm bound away,
   - On the wide Missouri.

            *2*
Shenandoah, me daddy's ner yer
O Shenandoah, I seem ter hear yer.

          *3*
Shenandoah, me mudder's near ye.
O Shenandoah, for ye I'm weary.

          *4*
Can the piccanninies hear ye?
O Shenandoah, me heart's a-dreary.

          *5*
Shenandoah, again I'll hear ye.
O Shenandoah, in dreams I'm near ye.